Lucca’s picturesque charm beckons travelers to explore its enchanting landscapes. One way to experience the city’s beauty is through a guided kayak tour on the Serchio River. This 3-hour adventure offers a chance to paddle past the historic Ponte del Diavolo, navigate exciting rapids, and spot local wildlife. Whether you’re a beginner or an avid adventurer, this tour promises to deliver a unique perspective of Lucca’s natural wonders. But the real question is, are you ready to embark on this unforgettable journey?
Key Points
- The Lucca Rafting 3-hour kayak tour on the Serchio River is suitable for beginners, with a safety briefing and van transfer included.
- Participants can discover the historic Ponte del Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge) from a unique perspective on the river during the tour.
- The tour offers an adventure on the river, with opportunities to navigate through fun rapids and practice canoeing techniques.
- The tour is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, and those with heart problems or over 95 years old.
- The tour is priced from €50.00 per person and is available in Italian and English, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Tour Overview
The Kayak Tour on the Serchio River, offered by Lucca Rafting, is a 3-hour adventure that allows participants to discover the scenic Ponte del Diavolo from a unique perspective.
Suitable for beginners and water activity enthusiasts, the tour includes a safety briefing, canoeing, and a van transfer to and from the starting location.
Priced from €50.00 per person, the tour is available in Italian and English.
Participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot now and pay later.
The tour isn’t suitable for certain groups, such as children under 12 and those with mobility issues.
Looking for more options in Chifenti? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary
Starting from the Lucca Rafting base, participants take a 10-minute van transfer to the Ponte della Maddalena, where the kayaking portion of the tour begins.
The kayaking adventure begins at the Ponte della Maddalena after a 10-minute van ride from the Lucca Rafting base.
The experience includes:
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A safety briefing to prepare guests for the river journey
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105 minutes of canoeing and exploring the Serchio River
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Opportunities to discover the famous Ponte del Diavolo from a unique vantage point
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Fun and adventurous activities on the water
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A 3-minute van transfer back to the Lucca Rafting base at the end of the tour.
Discover the Ponte Del Diavolo
Participants get to discover the famous Ponte del Diavolo from a unique perspective as they paddle along the Serchio River.
This historic bridge, also known as the Devil’s Bridge, dates back to the 13th century. Gliding beneath its grand arches offers a fresh view of this architectural marvel.
The tour provides a chance to appreciate the bridge’s intricate stonework and admire its picturesque setting amidst the lush riverbanks.
With the kayak’s low profile, paddlers can get an up-close look at this iconic landmark in a way that’s not possible from the shore.
Adventure on the River
Although the tour begins with a tranquil paddle, adventurous participants soon experience the river’s excitement.
The Serchio River offers a thrilling journey, with:
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Fun rapids to navigate
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Opportunities to jump off rocks into the water
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Stretches of calm water perfect for practicing canoeing techniques
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Chances to spot local wildlife, like herons and kingfishers
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An exhilarating ride under the famous Ponte del Diavolo bridge
Guided by experienced instructors, kayakers master the river’s challenges, building confidence and creating lasting memories.
The Serchio River delivers an unforgettable adventure for visitors seeking an active, outdoor experience in Lucca.
More Great Tours NearbySuitability and Restrictions
The Serchio River kayak tour is not suitable for all participants. While it provides an exciting and adventurous experience, there are some restrictions in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests. Children under 12, pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, or those over 95 years old are not permitted to join the tour. Plus, people over 70 years old may have difficulty participating. The tour operators have these guidelines in place for good reason, prioritizing the well-being of all guests.
| Restriction | Reason |
| — | — |
| Children under 12 | Safety concerns |
| Pregnant women | Safety concerns |
| Mobility impairments | Safety concerns |
| Heart problems | Safety concerns |
| Over 95 years old | Safety concerns |
| Over 70 years old | Physical limitations |
Customer Feedback
Customers who’ve experienced the Serchio River kayak tour rave about the fun and varied activities it offers.
The tour earns an impressive 5/5 overall rating based on 2 reviews.
Key highlights include:
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Fun experience with quiet passages, rapids, and rock jumps
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Friendly and helpful guide
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Recommended for families and groups
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Suitable for beginners and those new to water activities
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Offering a unique perspective of the famous Ponte del Diavolo
The overall feedback suggests this kayak tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an adventurous yet accessible outdoor experience in the beautiful Lucca region.
What to Bring
For the Serchio River kayak tour, visitors are recommended to bring swimwear. This will ensure they’re comfortable and prepared for the water activities.
It’s also a good idea to wear quick-drying clothing, as you will get wet during the kayaking portion of the experience. Sturdy water shoes or sandals are also recommended, as they’ll provide traction and protection on the river.
Plus, bringing a towel, sunscreen, and a hat can help make the tour more enjoyable. By packing the essentials, guests can focus on fully seeing the scenic river adventure.
Getting There
How do I get to the Serchio River kayak tour? The tour starts at the Lucca Rafting meeting point.
From there, you’ll take a 10-minute van transfer to the Ponte della Maddalena, where the kayaking begins. If needed, pickup and drop-off service is available at the Bagni di Lucca train station, but must be arranged in advance.
A 10-minute van transfer takes you to the Ponte della Maddalena, where the kayaking adventure on the Serchio River begins. Pickup and drop-off at Bagni di Lucca station can be arranged in advance.
Getting to the tour couldn’t be easier:
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Meet at the Lucca Rafting location
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Take a 10-minute van transfer to the starting point
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Arrange for pickup/drop-off at Bagni di Lucca station, if required
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Reach the tour start with minimal travel time
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Dive right into the kayaking adventure on the Serchio River
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Food and Drink Provided During the Tour?
No, food and drink are not provided during the tour. Participants should bring their own snacks and beverages to enjoy during the 3-hour kayaking adventure on the Serchio River.
Can I Bring My Own Camera or Gopro?
Yes, you can bring your own camera or GoPro on the tour. The tour overview doesn’t mention any restrictions on personal cameras, so you’re free to capture the scenery and activities during the kayaking experience.
How Experienced Do I Need to Be for This Kayak Tour?
The tour is suitable for beginners and those new to water activities. No prior kayaking experience is required, as the guide will provide a safety briefing and instructions. The river conditions are described as fun and adventurous, suitable for all skill levels.
Are Life Jackets and Other Safety Equipment Provided?
According to the tour overview, all necessary safety equipment like life jackets is provided. The tour is suitable for beginners, and the guide will provide a safety briefing before the kayaking activity.
Is There an Opportunity to Stop and Explore Along the River?
The tour doesn’t include stops to explore along the river. It’s a continuous 105-minute kayaking experience focused on the river itself, with highlights like the Ponte del Diavolo. Safety equipment like life jackets is provided.
The Sum Up
The Lucca kayak tour on the Serchio River offers an exciting way to experience the city’s picturesque landscapes. Suitable for beginners and adventure seekers, the tour provides a safety briefing, van transfer, and over an hour of paddling past the historic Ponte del Diavolo. While not recommended for children under 12 or those with mobility issues, this tour promises a unique and memorable adventure.
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